Malibu Van fans on the Moselle
Four days in Burgen.
As well as discussing their own vehicles, the main focus was on socialising and shared activities. Whether it’s talking shop between the vans, going on outings together in the local area, or winding down in the evening: the 3rd The Malibu Van Fan Meet-up offered plenty of opportunities to spend time together and take in new experiences.
Friday kicked off under the banner of ‘Open Sliding Door’ with the highlight of every Ma-libu Van fan meet-up: talking shop. Everyone marvelled at the numerous modifications and customisations to the vehicles, and everyone surely came away with a few ideas. At the same time, a mobile gas inspector was on hand to carry out on-site gas inspections, a service that was gladly taken up by some participants – after all, it couldn’t be more convenient!
Our Dutch participants rounded off the barbecue that followed by bringing along some traditional specialities – matjes herring, frikandels and sweet poffertjes proved very popular. In the evening, the culinary delights continued in the campsite’s wine bar – where we could choose between freshly caught smoked trout and burgers straight from the grill. The highlight of the day was a live performance by a colleague from the van fleet, who, singing and playing the guitar, took us back to our youth with some well-known rock classics.
Saturday saw the highlight of the programme: a group excursion to the Geierlay suspension bridge. A coach booked especially for the Van Fans took the two- and four-legged Van Fans to Mörsdorf, to the Geierlay visitor centre. There, the Malibu Van fans were welcomed personally by the local mayor, Marcus Kirchhoff – after all, who better than him, one of the three initiators of the bridge-building project, to tell the story of the bridge’s somewhat convoluted history?
Following the mayor’s entertaining remarks, the group split into two and set off along separate routes – an accessible direct route and an idyllic forest trail – towards the bridge. There, the two groups met up again and everyone was treated to some cool refreshments from ‘Bruno’s Radl Bar’. Many people and their pets then ventured across the swaying bridge, which is around 100 metres high and 360 metres long, and went for an extra walk on the other side of the valley. Those who didn’t have much faith in the Swiss engineers who had designed the bridge based on a Nepalese model were, in the meantime, enjoying the view of the valley from comfortable lounge sofas. After lunch together at ‘Pascal’s Pizzastube’, the coach took the Van fans back to the campsite.
After dinner at the wine bar, Florian Krautkremer spoke about his latest project, the recently acquired Häppy Life Rhein Camping Loreley. After a brief preview of the Malibu Van Fans’ upcoming meet-ups planned for 2026, Malibu towels and beach tennis sets brought smiles to everyone’s faces. Thanks to Malibu for the generous gifts – bring on the summer!
Our musician Martin then brought the evening to a close in style with some live music.
The gathering came to an end on Sunday morning with the traditional ‘Malibu Breakfast Mile’. A long table was set up between the Malibu Vans to give everyone another chance to chat over breakfast. Afterwards, with their minds full of new experiences, the participants gradually set off for home or their next stop, knowing that the next meet-ups are already being planned – things are set to stay exciting in the Malibu Van Fans community!
On Facebook, you can chat with other Malibu Van fans about your experiences, technical tips, accessories, and recommendations for trips and campsites.
